The country’s volatile landscape involving law enforcement, stereotyping of police and mob behavior is troubling to Derek Crouse. The random violence targeted toward law enforcement finds some citizens and businesses stepping up to show support and respect for the sacrifice officers provide for us.

Crouse and his canine-training business worked with the Longbranch at L’Erable to provide a healthy, nourishing lunch for all members of the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department. Crouse had interviewed to join the local sheriff’s department, then chose to stay with his canine business. But the recent mob behavior and social media war against police lured him to show support and respect toward the men/women in uniform. …….

"It could have been me out there, I could have been targeted...I think it's wrong and lazy to stereotype someone.  It's too easy with the internet to take shots at people," Crouse said.  "We're a pitchfork society.  Someone can be happy and ride the bandwagon or they become angry and it's the pitchwork way." he adds.

Nick & Lindsay Bohn, also supporters of law enforcement at their L’Erable business, jumped onboard to provide the lunch distribution to the sheriff’s department.
Crouse said ‘enough with the stereotyping’ ……. :

"Social media is too easy for people to spout off," Crouse says.  "Every officer is human. You can't sput everyone in one basket and lash out.  Nine out of 10 times, a law enforcement officer will protect you, but now and then we all deal with a bad apple."

Crouse said he appreciated the support from the Longbranch. He called Thursday afternoon a special day in L’Erable. Any free dinner for police is appreciated, but not what any officer goes looking for – so we brought it to them …..

Crouse adds, ‘violence may be an option, but it’s not the answer.’

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